NHTSA Recall 16V694000: Motor (visibility)
Subaru of America, Inc. reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 592,647 vehicles. It affects 2 models including the Subaru Legacy.
| NHTSA campaign | 16V694000 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer campaign | WTK-71 |
| Component | VISIBILITY › WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER › MOTOR |
| Report received | September 27, 2016 |
| Owner notification | October 25, 2016 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Legacy vehicles manufactured November 26, 2008, to June 7, 2013, and 2010-2014 Outback vehicles manufactured January 9, 2009 to June 7, 2013. Due to contamination, components within the windshield wiper motor bottom cover may interfere with each other. If an obstruction, such as a buildup of snow or ice prevents the wiper arms from being able to stop in the parked position, the wiper motor may overheat and the bottom cover may melt.
Safety risk
If the windshield wiper motor overheats, the wipers may fail, reducing driver visibility and increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, the wiper motor cover may melt, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor bottom cover assembly, free of charge. The recall began October 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTK-71. Note: This recall supersedes recall 11V-469. All vehicles that were remedied under that campaign are affected by this campaign, and need to have their wiper motor bottom cover replaced again.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Vehicles covered by recall 16V694000
| Make and model | Model years |
|---|---|
| Subaru Legacy | 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 |
| Subaru Outback | 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 |
Being listed here means the campaign covers the model year, not that every car was built with the defect or is still unrepaired. Enter your VIN above to check your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free at authorised dealers. Source: NHTSA, October 2026.